Chapter 23: Doubts of a Trusted Friend and Inner Torment
Chapter 23: Doubts of a Trusted Friend and Inner Torment
Time: Late afternoon on a workday, after office hours
Location: A street-side café beneath the company building
The lingering glow of the setting sun bathed the city streets, casting a golden-red carpet over the earth, yet Zhang Liang's heart was far removed from the beauty around him. His footsteps were heavy, like a lost child wandering aimlessly, as he slowly made his way toward the café where he had agreed to meet Su Yao. Along the way, his mind churned like a turbulent sea, a maelstrom of anger, frustration, and confusion. "Why? Why has Su Yao started doubting me? Is our trust really so fragile?" He pondered silently, his brows furrowed and his eyes betraying a hint of pain.
Upon entering the café, the soothing music seemed to mock him, its melodies felt like a cruel taunt in his ears. He immediately spotted Su Yao in the corner, her face marked with hesitation and inner turmoil, like a cloud overshadowing what had once been a clear sky. Her hands nervously twisted at the hem of her shirt, an action that seemed to pull at Zhang Liang's heartstrings, amplifying his unease. Her eyes drifted aimlessly toward the window, her toes lightly tapping the floor, as if locked in an internal struggle.
Zhang Liang took a deep breath, forcing a smile, and made his way to her. He gently pulled out a chair and sat down, attempting to sound casual as he spoke. "Su Yao, have you been waiting long?" But the slight tremor in his voice betrayed his tension.
Su Yao looked up at him, her eyes filled with a complex mixture of emotions. She paused, as though trying to find the right words, or perhaps deciding whether to voice the doubts she had been harboring. Finally, she spoke softly, "Zhang Liang, the others have been gossiping about you today. I... I know you're not that kind of person, but these rumors came out of nowhere, and I don't know how to respond to them." Her voice was gentle, like a feather falling, yet it stirred a violent storm within Zhang Liang's chest.
Zhang Liang felt as if his heart had been struck a heavy blow, a sharp pain coursing through him. His smile froze, and a flicker of disappointment and sadness flashed in his eyes. With a bitter smile, he replied, "Su Yao, I swear on my life, these rumors are pure fabrications. I have always worked diligently, and every idea, every plan, is the result of countless hours of research and effort. How could I steal from anyone?" As he spoke, his hands waved with passion, as though desperately defending himself and trying to show Su Yao his innocence. His eyes reddened, as though flames of anger and injustice were igniting within him.
Su Yao nodded slightly, reaching out to gently hold Zhang Liang's hand, attempting to comfort him. Yet, her hand trembled ever so slightly, like a leaf fluttering in the wind, betraying her inner turmoil. "I believe you, Zhang Liang, but right now, we need to find a way to clear things up, or the impact on you will be too great," she said, her eyes filled with concern, like a mother worried for her wounded child.
Looking at her, a warmth flooded Zhang Liang's heart, yet the anger and helplessness still clung to him. He furrowed his brow and thought for a moment. Then, the words of the Tao Te Ching resurfaced in his mind, specifically the concept of "non-action." At that moment, the system's voice echoed in his mind: "Zhang Liang, Laozi said, 'Excessive words soon run out; it is better to remain centered.' Right now, the multitude of voices can wear down gold, and defending yourself with words is futile. Remaining still and resolute is the best course." A wave of clarity washed over him as he considered these words. He slowly said to Su Yao, "Su Yao, I think it's best to hold my ground and not react hastily. Defending myself now will only fuel the rumors. I feel like a hunted rabbit—if I panic and flee, I'll only expose my weaknesses. But if I stay still, hiding in the grass, I may avoid the trap. I'll focus on doing my work and let my actions speak for themselves. 'Excessive words soon run out; it is better to remain centered.' In the whirlpool of these rumors, I will hold on to my inner calm and not be swayed by external disturbances." His gaze grew steady, as though he had found a glimmer of hope in the darkness, a reflection of his unwavering belief.
Su Yao listened to Zhang Liang, and though still concerned, she couldn't help but nod in agreement. "Alright, Zhang Liang, I trust your judgment. But the coming days may be tough for you. I'll be here to support you no matter what," she said, her voice tinged with helplessness, yet filled with strength, like a faint but resolute light illuminating Zhang Liang's path.
In the days that followed, Zhang Liang became like a solitary warrior, pressing forward through a battlefield filled with hostility. He arrived at the office early, stayed late, burying himself in work to escape the pain the rumors caused. His colleagues continued to whisper behind his back, their eyes sharp as knives, cutting into his back. But Zhang Liang chose to ignore them, telling himself, "I must be like an unshakable mountain—no matter how fierce the storm, I will stand firm and prove everything with my abilities."
Yet, the inner torment never ceased. Every time he faced a challenge at work, the voice of doubt echoed in his ears: "Isn't it true that you lack the ability and had to steal someone else's ideas?" It was a pain that gnawed at him relentlessly, often leaving him in the dead of night, sitting alone at his desk, his head in his hands, his eyes filled with exhaustion and confusion. "Can I really make it through?" he asked himself, again and again.
"Excessive words soon run out; it is better to remain centered." This means that excessive arguing or explanations can often entrench one in deeper trouble, whereas maintaining inner calm and adhering to one's principles is a far wiser course. In this chapter, Zhang Liang, faced with numerous rumors and Su Yao's doubts, chooses not to argue or explain. He understands that, in this situation, words are futile and will only complicate matters further. Following Laozi's wisdom, he chooses silence, focusing on his work, holding steadfast to his inner belief, waiting for the right moment to dismantle the rumors with actions. This is his application of "remaining centered" in a practical context—unshaken by external gossip, letting stillness guide his actions.
Summary: In this chapter, Zhang Liang faces doubts from his close friend Su Yao due to rumors, and in the pain and anguish, he remains steadfast in his belief in "non-action." Drawing on Laozi's wisdom, "Excessive words soon run out; it is better to remain centered," he avoids unnecessary explanations and focuses on his work, determined to prove his innocence. The next chapter will explore how Zhang Liang gradually resolves the rumor crisis through his quiet determination. What new challenges or turning points await him? Stay tuned for the next developments.